Today's weather is scorching hot, with the sun blazing fiercely overhead. The intense heat seems to be attracting Fire Type Pokemon, making it the perfect opportunity for Gloria to embark on her quest to capture Fire Type Pokemon. She's eager to seek out these fiery creatures and add them to her collection.

1. Mach Motors: We need Pokémon with burning motivation— a fire in their hearts! We need the heat of your passion! (3 Pokemon)

2. The Captain's Table: In order to ensure the perfect stove temperature when cooking, I want to have Pokémon that are good at burning things come help. (4 Pokemon)

3. Yoshida's Cafe: The temperature needs to be just right when roasting coffee beans. Would you be so kind as to send over Fire-type Pokémon? (5 Pokemon)

4. Huo Guo Hot Pot: Need cooking assistants. Must be good with fire. (6 Pokemon)

5. Cozy Fried Chicken: We're awful proud of the grill here at our restaurant. We'd be grateful for Pokémon that can keep the flame going while we grill! (8 Pokemon)

6. Rose of the Rondelands: The secret to cooking is fire! We welcome any Fire-type Pokémon, as they're great at working with flames. (9 Pokemon)

7. Hotel Ionia: We are looking for Fire-type Pokémon so that customers who are sensitive to the cold can have rooms that are toasty warm. (9 Pokemon)

8. Budew Drop Inn: Our cook needs assistants! Please send Fire-type Pokémon that are good at maintaining perfect cooking temperatures! (10 Pokemon)

9. Macro Cosmos Media: I'm looking to create a red-hot cooking competition show—one that's on FIRE! Do you have any ideas for Pokémon that'd help? (30 Pokemon)

10. Galar Minerals: We need to remove impurities from various metals. We need Pokémon who can handle flame, so please send Fire-type Pokémon! (30 Pokemon)

"Most of the jobs relate to cooking," Alice notes.

"That's precisely why I've chosen Fire Type as my specialty," Helen remarks. "They excel in culinary skills."

Curious, Flora inquires, "So, what type of curry are you planning to make for us?"

Helen smiles mischievously before producing... a can of beans? "The conventional curry roux paired with properly boiled beans creates a surprisingly simple yet delightful taste," Helen explains. "That's what I'll be preparing."

Not all of us are enthusiasts of beans, yet as Helen serves up five plates of curry, we find ourselves eagerly taking the first spoonful. Elena is the first to comment, "The robustly spicy notes of the curry roux combined with the innate sweetness of the beans create an enjoyable, contrasting flavor."

Gloria nods in agreement, adding, "The dryness of the curry roux and the subtle umami of the beans meld together to produce a simple yet enduring taste that keeps you coming back for more."

Flora muses, "This curry boasts a gentle sweetness, balanced by the straightforward essence of the added beans, resulting in a nuanced flavor profile."

Alice chimes in, "The piquancy of the curry roux effectively counteracts the beans' taste. Even those with an aversion to beans might relish this dish."

I contribute, "Absolutely. The pleasing texture of the beans paired with the tangy curry roux complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious blend. I never imagined beans could elevate the curry to such heights."

With a confident smile, Helen asserts, "You can always rely on my culinary skills."

While capturing Fire-type Pokémon for Gloria's Poke Job services, our Chewtle undergoes a transformation, evolving into Drednaw and gaining the Rock Type. Along with its evolution, Drednaw learns Rock Tomb, a move that decreases the opponent's speed during battles.

Drednaw: The Bite Pokemon: Water and Rock Type. Evolved from Chewtle at LV:22. With jaws that can shear through steel rods, this highly aggressive Pokémon chomps down on its unfortunate prey.

Amidst the Pokémon Grand Eating Contest in the Wild Area, I decide to enlist Skwovet as our participant. The competition intensifies when a challenger's Morpeko, known for its prowess in consuming vast quantities in its Hangry mode, competes fiercely. However, as Morpeko transitions to its Full Belly Mode, it ceases eating, leaving just one plate to determine the winner.

Skwovet, visibly struggling with its swollen belly, encounters difficulty in consuming more food. Yet, a sudden surge of determination overcomes it, and amidst our fervent cheers, Skwovet undergoes a startling transformation, evolving into Greedent right before everyone's astonished eyes.

Greedent: The Greedy Pokemon: Normal Type. Evolved from Skwovet at LV:24. It stashes berries in its tail—so many berries that they fall out constantly. But this Pokémon is a bit slow-witted, so it doesn't notice the loss.

With its evolved form and an increased appetite, Greedent charges forward, determined to finish what remains. Powered by newfound vigor, Greedent surpasses Morpeko's record effortlessly, emerging victorious in the competition. The crowd erupts into cheers at Greedent's unexpected evolution and impressive victory.

Following its evolution, Wooloo transforms into Dubwool, its wool now remarkably bouncy. As an amusing consequence, when Dubwool attempts to embrace Alice, the sheer springiness of its wool propels her backward, prompting me to swiftly catch her to prevent any mishaps.

Dubwool: The Sheep Pokemon: Normal Type. Evolved from Wooloo at LV:24. Weave a carpet from its springy wool, and you end up with something closer to a trampoline. You'll start to bounce the moment you set foot on it.

As we make our way back to Hulbury, we decide to explore Galar Mine No.2 after some successful Fire Pokemon captures. Once inside, Gloria raises a point, "It's odd, isn't it? Kabu is a Fire Type Leader. Why would he choose to train in a place like this? It seems counterintuitive."

Helen offers her perspective, "Actually, it's not strange at all. This mine is teeming with Water and Rock Type Pokemon, providing the perfect environment for Dad to train and strategize on overcoming Fire-type weaknesses."

During our training sessions in the area, our Yamper undergoes a remarkable evolution, transforming into Boltund. With its evolved form, Boltund exudes increased energy and enthusiasm.

However, Boltund's newfound zeal often manifests in its playful antics, particularly in chasing around Thievul, much to the latter's irritation and annoyance.

Boltund: The Dog Pokemon: Electric Type. Evolved from Yamper at LV:25. This Pokémon generates electricity and channels it into its legs to keep them going strong. Boltund can run nonstop for three full days.

Just as we're enjoying the serene surroundings near the pond, a familiar figure with distinctive white hair catches our attention."You again..." It's none other than Bede, and our gazes lock in an instant.

"Bede..." I murmur, recognizing him.

With an air of self-assurance, Bede strolls towards us, exuding his signature confidence. "I'd feel sorry for my Pokemon if I made them take part in a battle against low-level opponents. I'm not in the mood to deal with weaklings right now," he asserts, his tone condescending.

Alice, never one to shy away, retorts, "Oh, really? Seems like you're just afraid of facing a potential loss, huh?"

Bede, visibly offended by Alice's remark, turns away with a hint of disdain. "Then again, I suppose it's a form of mercy to crush weak opponents early on. If you're under the misguided impression that you're stronger than me, then surely you would be up for a Pokemon battle."

"Of course," Alice replies confidently, her voice unwavering. "As the challenger endorsed by the Champions, I'll demonstrate precisely why I carry their endorsement." She then requests that we refrain from interfering, preparing herself to face Bede in battle.

"It's utterly inconceivable that I, the challenger who was chosen by the Chairman, will lose." Bede declares confidently as he kicks off the battle, sending out his Solosis as his first Pokémon.

Alice, analyzing the situation, remarks, "True, it's a Psychic Type." She counters by sending out her Dottler as the first Pokémon. Dottler launches into action, initiating the battle with Struggle Bug. However, Solosis manages to evade the attack and retaliates with Psyshock. Swift thinking on Alice's part leads Dottler to erect a Light Screen, successfully blocking the incoming Psyshock.

Encouraged by our support, Dottler gains momentum and eventually overpowers Solosis with a resounding Bug Buzz, securing victory in the intense confrontation.

"Hmph, looks like you are not as weak as I imagine, then again, it is only a little bit stronger than I imagine." Bede remarks with a hint of begrudging respect as he sends out his Gothita for the next round.

Gothita wastes no time and employs Rock Tomb, steadily wearing down Dottler. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the relentless assault of Gothita eventually proves too much, leading to the defeat of Dottler in this round.

Unperturbed, Alice switches things up and sends out her Thievul as the next contender. Quick on its feet, Thievul strikes preemptively with Sucker Punch before Gothita can execute an attack, swiftly overpowering it and securing a rapid victory for Alice in this heated exchange.

In Bede's next move, he introduces Hatenna, another Psychic-type Pokémon into the battle. Hatenna's Disarming Voice clashes fiercely against Thievul's Snarl in a tug-of-war of opposing moves. Despite the intense struggle, the force of Disarming Voice prevails, overcoming Thievul's Snarl and resulting in Thievul's defeat.

Undeterred by the setback, Alice switches her strategy and calls upon her Absol to enter the fray. Absol, with its swift and precise Night Slash, confronts Hatenna. In a quick and decisive maneuver, Absol's Night Slash proves effective, overpowering Hatenna and securing a victory for Alice in this round of the battle.

"Excellent! Not everyone can corner my team like this. But you are still going to lose." Bede exclaims confidently as he introduces his next Pokémon, a Galarian Ponyta, into the battle.

The appearance of the Galarian Ponyta surprises everyone with its unique form, but Alice remains composed, undeterred by the unexpected sight. She commands her Absol to execute Fury Cutter, aiming to strike at the Galarian Ponyta. Despite Absol's swift attack, the agile Ponyta manages to dodge, countering with Fairy Wind, inflicting significant damage on Absol.

Undeterred by the harsh hit, Absol retaliates with Feint Attack, displaying its determination to prevail in the intense battle. The clash culminates in a decisive move as Absol's Feint Attack lands successfully, overpowering the Galarian Ponyta and securing a hard-fought victory for Alice in this challenging encounter.

Bede, clearly displeased with the outcome, clenches his teeth in frustration. "You showed at least a little effort, so I decided I should let you win!"

Alice responds with a hint of amusement, "Once again? That excuse sounds familiar, especially from when Ash defeated you."

Bede, regaining his composure, adjusts his demeanor and states, "Ah, pardon me. It seems I must take back my words. You are not weak, you just lack talent. Your chances of completing the Gym Challenge are pretty slim, I must say. Here, I'll give you these, something to show you that at least you tried."

With a hint of reluctant acknowledgment, Bede hands both Alice and me a League card, a tangible recognition of the battle's outcome. As he turns to depart, a mutter escapes his lips, "Now, where should I venture next to collect Wishing Stars?"

After Bede's departure, Alice and I decide to examine the League Card he handed over to us.

Bede spent some time living in an orphanage after his family ran into some trouble when he was young. He always had difficulty getting along with others and would constantly get into fights. That is until one day Chairman Rose visited the facility. Rose gave Bede a Pokémon, which changed Bede's life forever. He showed talent as a Trainer and threw himself into Pokémon battles, becoming stronger by the day. He has joined the Gym Challenge with an endorsement from the chairman himself, and Bede plans to prove that the chairman's faith was not misplaced.

"Oh, so he's an orphan and your Dad is fond of him," I remark to Elena, who responds with a sigh, "Even if my Dad likes him, my Mom and I can't tolerate his arrogant attitude."

I'll end the chapter right here, and now we're in the Galar Mine No.2. I hope you like this chapter.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth x2 (Kantonian, Galarian), Machamp, Farfetch'd (Galarian), Gengar, Kingler, Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Mantine, Sceptile, Linoone (Galarian), Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Garbodor, Zoroark, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Raboot, Drizzile, Greedent, Corvisquire, Dottler, Thievul, Eldegoss, Dubwool, Drednaw, Boltund, Carkol, Applin x2, Arrokuda, Toxel x2, Sizzlipede, Milcery x9, Kleavor